The PET-CT and MRI data were co-registered based on mutual information. The residual tumor volume defined on the F-18-FLT PET (Vol-PET) was compared with that of gadolinium [Gd] enhancement on T1-weighted MRI (Vol-T1) and areas of hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI (Vol-T2). Results The mean Vol-PET (14.61 cm(3)) and Vol-T1 (13.60 cm(3)) were comparable and smaller than the mean Vol-T2 (32.93 cm(3)). The regions of F-18-FLT uptake exceeded the contrast click here enhancement and the hyperintense area on the MRI in 14 (73.68%) and 8 patients (42.11%), respectively. In 5 (26.32%) of the 19 patients, Vol-PET extended beyond 25 mm from the margin of Vol-T1; in 2 (10.53%) patients, Vol-PET

extended 20 mm from the margin of Vol-T2. Vol-PET was detected up to 35 mm away from the edge of Vol-T1 and 24 mm away from the edge of Vol-T2. In 16 (84.21%) of the 19 patients, the Vol-T1 extended beyond the Vol-PET. In all of the patients, at least some of

the Vol-T2 was located outside of the Vol-PET. Conclusions The volumes of post-operative residual tumor in patients with malignant glioma defined by F-18-FLT uptake on PET are not always consistent with the abnormalities shown on post-operative MRI. Incorporation of F-18-FLT-PET in tumor delineation may have the potential to improve the definition of target volume in post-operative radiotherapy.”
“Biornphalaria glabrala snails are known to display a wide rangeof R406 concentration susceptibility phenotypes to Schistosoma mansoni infection depending on the genetics of both the snail and the invading parasite. Evidence exists for a role of hydrolytic enzymes in the 432 defense of molluscs against invading parasites. To elucidate the role of these enzymes in the outcome of infection in the snail, proteolysis was examined in parasite-resistant

and -susceptible snails. Zymographs of extracts from the whole snail or hepatopancreas indicated higher proteolytic activity in resistant, compared Bafilomycin A1 with susceptible, snails. Lytic activity coincided with a high-molecular-weight smear (220 to 66 kDa) that was abrogated by the cysteine protease inhibitor trans-epoxysuccinyl-L-leucyl amido-(4-guanidino) butane. Quantitative flourimetric assays showed 3.5-fold higher activity in resistant than in susceptible snails. From a hepatopancreas cDNA library, several cysteine protease encoding expressed sequence tags including the full-length cDNA for cathepsin B were identified. Sequence analysis revealed that this cathepsin B belonged to the C I A family of peptidases characterized by the presence of the catalytic cysteine-histicline dyad, the “Occluding loop,” signal sequence, and cleavage sites for the prepro and propeptides. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed higher up-regulation of cathepsin B transcript in resistant than in the susceptible snail after parasite exposure.

[Bayesian; gene duplication;

gene loss; horizontal gene transfer; lateral gene transfer; MCMC; phylogenetics.].”
“In this paper we present a model that predicts the softening of apple during ripening in the postharvest phase. Apple ripening starts with an autocatalytic production AP26113 Angiogenesis inhibitor of ethylene, which triggers a multitude of biochemical processes like the degradation of cell wall material. This triggering of the ripening process has been modelled as a biological switch-using the activator-depleted substrate model, which is proposed earlier by Meinhardt in the field of developmental biology. The model has been calibrated using storage experiments using various apple cultivars. Furthermore, the model is proven to be valid using independent experimental data of Elstar apple under dynamic storage conditions. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“123 Background: To investigate the obstetrical

and perinatal impact of oocyte donation, a cohort of women who conceived after OD was compared with a matched control CAL101 group of women who became pregnant through in vitro fertilisation with autologous oocytes (AO).\n\nMethods: A matched-pair analysis has been performed at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine of the UZ Brussel, Dutch speaking Free University of Brussel. A total of 410 pregnancies resulted in birth beyond 20 weeks of gestation occurring over a period of 10 years, including 205 oocyte donation pregnancies and 205 CYT387 ICSI pregnancies with autologous oocytes (AO). Patients in the OD group were matched on a one-to-one basis with the AO group in terms of age, ethnicity, parity and plurality. Matched groups were compared using paired t-tests for continuous variables and McNemar test for categorical variables. A conditional logistic regression analyses was performed adjusting for paternal age, age of the oocyte donor, number of embryos transferred, and singleton/twin pregnancy.\n\nResults: Oocyte donation was associated with an increased risk of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) (matched OR: 1.502 CI: 1.024-2.204), and first trimester bleeding (matched OR: 1.493 CI: 1.036-2.15). No differences were observed between the

two matched groups with regard to gestational age, mean birth weight and length, head circumference and Apgar scores.\n\n]Conclusions: Oocyte donation is associated with an increased risk for PIH and first trimester bleeding independent of the recipients’ age, parity and plurality, and independent of the age of the donor or the partner. However, oocyte donation has no impact on the overall perinatal outcome.”
“Background: Ongoing technological advances in genome sequencing are allowing bacterial genomes to be sequenced at ever-lower cost. However, nearly all of these new techniques concomitantly decrease genome quality, primarily due to the inability of their relatively short read lengths to bridge certain genomic regions, e. g., those containing repeats.

In this study using computational analysis of sequenced rice genome, we identified eight and seven potential non-redundant members involved in AsA and tocochromanol biosynthetic pathways, respectively. Staurosporine price The results reveal that the common feature

of these gene promoters is the combination of light-responsive, hormone-responsive, and stress-responsive elements. These findings, together with expression analysis in the MPSS database, indicate that AsA and tocochromanols might be co-related with the complex signaling pathways involved in plant responses. (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The cytotoxicity of polyelectrolytes commonly employed for layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMUs) was assessed using rat smooth muscle A7r5 and human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells. Cell growth, viability, and metabolic assays were used to compare the responses

of both cell lines to poly(acrylic acid), PAA, and poly(allylamine hydrochloride), PAR, in solution at concentrations up to 10 mM and to varying thicknesses of (PAA/PAH) PEMUs. Cytotoxicity correlated with increasing concentration LY2603618 mw of solution polyelectrolytes for both cell types and was greater for the positively charged PAR than for the negatively charged PAA. While metabolism and proliferation of both cell types was slower on PEMUs than on tissue culture plastic, little evidence for direct toxicity on cells was observed. In fact, evidence for more extensive adhesion and cytoskeletal organization was observed with PAR-terminated

PEMUs. Differences in cell activity and viability on different thickness PEMU surfaces resulted primarily from differences in attachment for these adhesion-dependent cell lines.”
“The human colon carcinoma cell line Caco-2 is often used as a model for intestinal drug absorption. To better understand xenobiotic glucuronidation in Caco-2 cells, we have examined the expression LOXO-101 levels of different UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in them. The effects of two main factors were investigated, namely, passage number and cell differentiation. Hence, the mRNA levels of 15 human UGTs of subfamilies 1A and 2B were assessed in both undifferentiated and fully differentiated cells at four passage levels: P31, P37, P43, and P49. 3 Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the mRNA levels of individual UGTs, and the values were normalized using beta-actin as a reference gene. The results indicate that although passage number in the tested range exerts a mild effect on the expression level of several UGTs, the contribution of cell differentiation is much larger. The expression of nearly all the UGTs that were examined in this study was significantly, sometimes greatly, increased during cell differentiation.

“
“Background: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) shows the ability of survival prediction in heart failure (HF) patients. However, Gal-3 is strongly associated with serum markers of cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. The aim of this study is to compare the impact of Gal-3 and serum markers of cardiac ECM turnover on prognostic prediction of chronic systolic HF patients. Methods: Serum Gal-3, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), extracellular matrix including type I and III aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen (PINP and PIIINP), matrix metalloproteinase-2,

9 (MMP-2, 9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were analyzed. Cox regression analysis was used for survival analysis. Results: A total of 105 (81 male) patients were enrolled. During 980 +/- 346 days follow-up, 17 patients died and 36 episodes of HF CYT387 order admission happened. Mortality of these patients

was significantly associated with the log PIIINP (beta= 15.380; P=0.042), log TIMP-1(beta= 44.530; P=0.003), PARP inhibitor cancer log MMP-2 (beta= 554.336; P smaller than 0.001), log BNP (beta= 28.273; P=0.034). Log Gal-3 (beta= 7.484; P=0.066) is borderline associated with mortality. Mortality or first HF admission of these patients was significantly associated with the log TIMP-1(beta= 16.496; P=0.006), log MMP-2 (beta= 221.864; P smaller than 0.001), log BNP (beta= 5.999; P=0.034). Log Gal-3 (beta= 4.486; P=0.095) only showed borderline significance. In several models adjusting clinical parameters, log MMP-2 was significantly associated

with clinical outcome. In contrast, log Gal-3 was not. Conclusion: The prognostic strength of MMP-2 to clinical outcome prediction in HF patients is stronger than Gal-3.”
“Objective-The present studies aimed a elucidating the role of prostaglandin E-2 receptor subtype 3 (E-prostanoid [EP] 3) in regulating blood pressure.\n\nMethods and Results-Mice bearing a genetic disruption of the EP3 gene (EP3-/-) exhibited reduced baseline mean arterial pressure monitored by both tail-cuff and carotid arterial catheterization. The pressor responses induced LY2835219 datasheet by EP3 agonists M&B28767 and sulprostone were markedly attenuated in EP3(-/-) mice, whereas the reduction of blood pressure induced by prostaglandin E-2 was comparable in both genotypes. Vasopressor effect of acme or chronic infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) was attenuated in EP3(-/-) mice. Ang II-induced vasoconstriction in mesenteric arteries decreased in EP3(-/-) group. In mesenteric arteries from wild-type mice, Ang II-induced vasoconstriction was inhibited by EP3 selective antagonist DG-041 or L798106. The expression of Arhgef-1 is attenuated in EP3 deficient mesenteric arteries. EP3 antagonist DG-041 diminished Ang II-induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain 20 and myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 in isolated mesenteric arteries.

Of the remaining 916 patients, a single abnormal GSK923295 purchase gland was identified on MIBI in 682 (74%), US in 731 (80%), and concordance of both in 588 (64%). Unsuspected multiglandular disease (MGD) was identified at BE in 22%, 22%, and 20% of patients, respectively. Adding intraoperative parathyroid hormone sampling

(IOPTH) further reduced the rate of unsuspected MGD to 16%, 17%, and 16%. Overall, IOPTH correctly predicted MGD in only 22%. Neither concomitant nonsurgical thyroid disease nor more stringent selection criteria (preop Ca > 11 mg/dL and PTH > 120 pg/dL) altered success rates. In patients with MGD, a subsequent gland identified was larger than the index gland in 23%. Ninety-eight percent of BE patients were cured of F HPT.\n\nConclusions: This is the largest study to evaluate the prevalence of additional

parathyroid pathology in patients who are candidates for LE. Limitations in localizing studies and IOPTH fail to identify MGD in at least 16% of patients, risking future recurrence.”
“Four selleck kinase inhibitor specific forces (H-bonds, van der Waals forces, hydrophobic and charge interactions) shape the structure of proteins, and many biologists assume they will determine the shape of all structures in the cell. However, as the mass and contour length of a human chromosome are similar to 7 orders of magnitude larger than those of a typical protein, 4 additional forces can become significant.

We review evidence that additional non-specific (entropic) forces are major determinants of chromosomal shape and position. They are sufficient to drive the segregation (de-mixing) of newly replicated DNA to the poles of bacterial cells, while an entropic centrifuge can both form human chromosomes into territories and position them appropriately in nuclei; more locally, a depletion attraction can loop bacterial and human genomes.”
“Human infection associated with a novel reassortant avian influenza H7N9 virus has recently been identified in China(1). A total of 132 confirmed cases and 39 deaths have been reported(2). Most patients presented with severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome(3,4). Although the first epidemic has VX-680 cell line subsided, the presence of a natural reservoir and the disease severity highlight the need to evaluate its risk on human public health and to understand the possible pathogenesis mechanism. Here we show that the emerging H7N9 avian influenza virus poses a potentially high risk to humans. We discover that the H7N9 virus can bind to both avian-type (alpha 2,3-linked sialic acid) and human-type (alpha 2,6-linked sialic acid) receptors. It can invade epithelial cells in the human lower respiratory tract and type II pneumonocytes in alveoli, and replicated efficiently in ex vivo lung and trachea explant culture and several mammalian cell lines.

The causes of HIV-associated dyslipidemia are multifactorial but include the antiretroviral therapy used in its treatment. The study by Williams et al. analyzed the risk of dyslipidemia

in patients with HIV who had recovered from severe immunosuppression, a group that has only been previously studied as a subgroup of a larger cohort. In addition, the investigators assessed the effects of long-term antiretroviral therapy, changes in antiretroviral therapy and the addition of cholesterol-lowering medications on the risk of hyperlipidemia and vascular disease in these patients.”
“The use of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) results in better limb and implant alignment compared to conventional TKA; however, selleck URMC-099 it is unclear whether this translates to better mid- to long-term clinical outcome. This prospective randomised study comparing CAS and conventional TKA reports the functional and patient perceived outcomes at a follow-up of 5 years. The hypothesis was that there would be a difference in functional outcome or quality of life after mid-term follow-up.\n\nSixty-seven patients were available for physical and radiological examination at 5 years. The Knee Society Score (KSS) was used to describe functional outcome and the Euroquol

questionnaire for quality of life.\n\nThe mean total KSS for the CAS group improved from 91.1 (SD 22.3) points preoperatively to 157.4 (SD 21.9) and 150.2 (SD 30.4) points at 2 and 5 years, respectively. In the conventional group, the mean total KSS was

99.6 (SD Epacadostat mouse 18.6) points preoperatively and 151.1 (SD 26.0) and 149.0 (SD 28.0) points at 2 and 5 years, respectively. The mean quality of life score improved from 48.2 (SD 16.5) points preoperatively to 67.4 (SD 16.3) and 66.8 (SD 22.2) points at 2 and 5 years in the CAS group, and from 52.2 (SD 17.1) points preoperatively to 65.6 (SD 14.6) and 61.7 (SD 19.3) points at 2 and 5 years, respectively, in the conventional TKA group. These differences were not statistically significant. There were radiolucent lines up to 2 mm in 11 knees (four CAS, seven conventional), but there were no changes in implant position.\n\nThere were no significant differences in functional or patient perceived outcome after mid-term follow-up in this study.\n\nI.”
“Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS) was used to investigate the coordination modes of the complexes [Ru-II([9]aneS(3))(HCpz(3))Cl]Cl, [Ru-II ([9]aneS(3))(HCpz(3))](Cl)PF6 and [Ru-II([9]aneS(3))(HCpz(3))](PF6)(2) ([9]aneS(3) = 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane; HCpz(3) = tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane) in methanol, acetonitrile and methanol/water solutions.

0% of upper extremity reconstruction patients experienced no postoperative functional deficits, and 70.6% of lower extremity reconstruction patients achieved ambulatory status (without assistance). Of the 177 patients, 74.6% had no evidence of disease at last known follow-up.\n\nConclusions. Reconstructive surgery in children with cancer is complex and often requires multiple procedures, although treatment usually results in excellent functional outcomes. A multidisciplinary

approach is essential VX-770 in vitro in the treatment of these patients, who are still in their growth phase, to optimize their functional capacity, quality of life, and overall survival.”
“OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility and acceptability of using video Internet communication to teach and evaluate surgical skills in a low-resource setting.\n\nMETHODS: This case-controlled study used video Internet communication for surgical skills teaching and evaluation. We randomized intern physicians rotating in the Obstetrics and Gynecology

Department at Mulago Hospital at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, to the control arm (usual practice) or intervention arm (three video teaching sessions with University of California, San Francisco faculty). We made preintervention and postintervention JNK inhibitor videos of all interns tying knots using a small video camera and uploaded the files to a file hosting service that offers cloud storage. A blinded faculty member graded all of the videos. Both groups completed a survey at the end of the study.\n\nRESULTS: We randomized 18 interns with complete data for eight in the intervention group and seven in the control group. We found score improvement of 50%

or more in six of eight (75%) interns in the intervention group compared with one of seven (14%) in the control group (P-.04). Scores declined in five of the seven (71%) controls but in none in the intervention group. Both intervention and control groups used attendings, colleagues, and the Internet as sources for learning about knot-tying. Dorsomorphin order The control group was less likely to practice knot-tying than the intervention group. The trainees and the instructors felt this method of training was enjoyable and helpful.\n\nCONCLUSION: Remote teaching in low-resource settings, where faculty time is limited and access to visiting faculty is sporadic, is feasible, effective, and well-accepted by both learner and teacher.”
“Background/Objective: G-8 screening tool showed good screening properties for identifying vulnerable elderly patients with cancer who would benefit from a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). We investigated whether tumour site and metastatic status affected its accuracy.\n\nMaterials and Methods: Design: Cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study. Setting: Geriatric-oncology clinics of two teaching hospitals in the urban area of Paris.

Human Rh C glycoprotein (RhCG) forms a trimeric complex that plays an essential role in ammonia excretion and renal pH regulation. The X-ray crystallographic structure of human RhCG, determined at 2.1 angstrom resolution, reveals the mechanism of ammonia transport. Each monomer contains 12 transmembrane

helices, one more than in the bacterial homologs. Reconstituted into proteoliposomes, RhCG conducts NH(3) to raise internal pH. Models of the erythrocyte Rh complex based on our RhCG structure suggest that the erythrocytic Rh complex is composed of stochastically assembled heterotrimers of RhAG, RhD, and RhCE.”
“Recently, interest on the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathophysiology of Selleck GW4869 hypertension has shifted toward greater emphasis on new developments in local RAS in specific tissues. We have focused our recent investigations on the role of the intrarenal-intratubular RAS in hypertension. All of the components needed for angiotensin II 4 generation are present within the various compartments in the kidney. This brief review is focused on recent evidence that inappropriate activation of renin in distal nephron segments, by acting on angiotensinogen generated in the proximal

tubule cells and delivered to the distal nephron may contribute to increased distal intrarenal angiotensin II formation, NVP-AUY922 supplier sodium retention, and development and progression of hypertension. J Am Soc Hypertens 2009;3(2):96-104. (C) 2009 American Society of Hypertension. All rights reserved.”
“Root rot of papaya, caused by Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae, is the most widespread and important disease of papaya and is particularly damaging to many papaya varieties popular in southern India, such as Coorg Honey Dew and Surya. The objective of this study was to evaluate biocontrol agents (BCAs) under controlled selleck chemical and field conditions for their efficacy against Phytophthora infecting papaya cv. Surya and to detect and quantify the reduction in the pathogen population by immunological techniques. Glomus mosseae, Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas

fluorescens were inoculated at the time of planting in the nursery and at the time of transplanting in single, dual and tripartite combinations allowing colonization up to 90 days. Plants were challenged thereafter with Phytophthora inoculum multiplied on specialized Phytophthora medium. Uninoculated plants and those inoculated with pathogen only were controls. All the BCAs in general improved plant growth and reduced severity of disease compared to uninoculated control in both pot experiments and under field conditions. Plants preinoculated with G. mosseae + T. harzianum, provided the best results when challenged with Phytophthora, with increased plant height, girth and yield and also reduced disease severity over plants not inoculated with BCAs.

Despite consuming and emitting c.a. 20% more than the SE pathway, the oil obtained by SFE, proved to be more economically viable, with a cost of 365(sic)/kg(oil) produced and PFTα nmr simultaneously extracting high-value pigments. The bioH(2) as co-product may be advantageous in terms of product yield or profit. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Spironolactone is effective at treating difficult to control hypertension in the general population,

and it is unknown if it is safe or effective for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and difficult-to-control hypertension. In a retrospective cohort design, 88 patients with difficult-to-control hypertension study were assessed for blood pressure (BP) response to spironolactone as well as for biochemical changes. In the CKD group (34 patients), the average systolic BP (SBP) fell from 153 18 to 143 20 mm Hg (P = .006) compared with a fall in SBP from 150 17 to 135 17 mm Hg (P < .0001) in the non-CKD group (P < .0001). In 44% of those with CKD and 59% of those without CKD, SBP decreased by >10 mm Hg (defined as responders; P = .22). Potassium rose by 0.5 +/- 0.6 mmol/L in the CKD group and 0.3 +/- 0.5 mmol/L in the non-CKD group (P = .12). The overall incidence of hyperkalemia was

5.7% in the CKD group and 0% in the non-CKD group (P = .07). Spironolactone is associated with a significant fall in BP among those with CKD and difficult-to-control JNJ-26481585 order BP. It is associated with a modest rise in serum potassium, which is more pronounced among those with glomerular filtration rate below 45 mL/minute. J Am Soc Hypertens 2010;4(6):295-301. (C) 2010 American Society of Hypertension. All rights reserved.”
“BACKGROUND & AIMS: Advanced liver disease is a significant risk factor for perioperative complications after cardiac surgery. However, no published studies have adjusted the observed outcomes for other well-known, non-liver-related factors that affect mortality. We evaluated the effects of cirrhosis on operative mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery,

Selleck Lazertinib after adjusting for nonrelated risk factors associated with liver disease. METHODS: We analyzed data from patients with cirrhosis who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass from 1992 to 2009 (n = 54). Patients who underwent cardiac surgery at the same institution were identified during the same time period and matched 1: 4 by using propensity score matching (123 controls, n = 216). Child-Pugh (CP) class and score were calculated for the patients with cirrhosis. Mortality and morbidity were determined after 30 and 90 days. RESULTS: Within 90 days, 4.6% of patients with CP score <8 and 70% of patients with CP score >= 8 died (P < .017). Mortality of patients with CP score <8 was comparable to that of matched controls.

The cytoplasmic condition of oocytes was evaluated microscopically at collection in 117 women. Deteriorating oocytes were recognized by degenerative changes in their cytoplasm. The redox state of FFs that yielded degenerated oocytes was evaluated and compared with fluids containing normal

oocytes. The redox state of the corresponding FF and serum, at the time of oocyte retrieval, was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. The redox state of FF that contained degenerated oocytes was found to have a significantly elevated oxidized state compared with the FFs that yielded normal oocytes. Also the albumin in the FF of patients was found to be predominantly in the reduced state compared with that in their serum at the time of oocyte retrieval. selleck compound In addition, increasing age and endometriosis were found to shift the redox of serum to the oxidative state. We propose that the reduced state of albumin in FF may SU5402 concentration play an important role in protecting oocytes from oxidative damage.”
“Objective. Health brokerage is one method being employed by government health agencies in an attempt to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s access to primary healthcare. This qualitative study explores key stakeholders’ understanding and acceptance of the health brokerage model, prior to the implementation of brokerage

services.\n\nMethods. Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with key stakeholders. The 4 resulting data was analysed using a grounded theory approach.\n\nResults. Qualitative analysis of the interviews and focus groups revealed five major themes. These were: (1) the perceived limitations of brokerage as a service delivery model; (2) the benefits of health brokerage selleck screening library such as increased flexibility; (3) issues relating to patient independence; (4) the necessity for broker independence; and (5) a mistrust of health brokerage and the authority handling the brokerage funds.\n\nConclusions. Since this study was conducted in 2008, ongoing funding for urban brokerage services has been suspended. Although the reasons for this are unclear, our study suggests that barriers to the acceptance of brokerage services

by the community may have existed even before such services were implemented, thus highlighting the need for transparency when launching new health initiatives that hope to engage the Aboriginal community.”
“Using an interactive map-based PDF, students learn key concepts related to biodiversity while developing data-analysis and critical-thinking skills. The Bird Island lesson provides students with experience in translating geospatial data into bar graphs, then interpreting these graphs to compare biodiversity across ecoregions on a fictional island. When the lesson is extended to include real data for Puerto Rico, students can explore distributions of selected bird species based on environmental attributes, making connections between each species’ adaptations, habitat requirements, and distribution across the island.